2005 Season Review

The 2005 season brought a number of new precedents to the world of Formula One, the most impactful of which were the new rules. One of the biggest rule changes stipulated that Formula One engines now had to last two race weekends; any failures would be penalised by the loss of 10 grid places.  This effectively doubled the lifespan expected from each engine, making reliability critical to success.

Shell had been working closely with Ferrari over the winter to develop a range of high-tech products that actively reduced engine wear and increased reliability. The result was a completely new portfolio of engine oils, varying in viscosity, that maximised engine performance whilst providing increased protection for the engine.

Ferrari launched the  F2005 at its base in Maranello, Italy, at the end of February.  The car featured a number of differences to the F2004M and was the 51st single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula One World Championship.  As always, Shell engineers had been involved in its development from the outset.

As Formula One fans across the globe rested in their armchairs to view the 2005 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, back in March, it was clear that over the winter things had changed. What lay ahead was to be the most competitive and nail-biting Formula One racing the world had seen for years.

Although Ferrari did not debut their new car at the season opener in Melbourne, the team together with Shell did unveil their novel new oil strategy. With a selection of engine oils from which to choose, Ferrari could now run the car with differing levels of protection and power throughout the weekend. For example, on a Friday, the team had the option of running a high-protection lubricant, switching to a thinner grade for qualifying or for the race.

In addition, the team debuted new Shell V-Power ULG59/L5. The fuel featured a new additive package designed to complement the new engine oil strategy.  It did its job – Rubens Barrichello drove from 11th on the grid in a revised F2004M to take the second step on the podium.

Come Ferrari’s home race in Imola, the second iteration of the lubricant programme made its race debut. Shell Helix SL-0909 was used by the team to give increased protection to the engine. Imola is notoriously hard on engines and Shell designed this oil to be able to offer more protection without any significant loss of power. Michael’s phenomenal drive from 14th on the grid to P2 was a testament to its balance of protection and power.

The third generation of engine oil came to light in Barcelona. Shell Helix SL-0932 protected the engine to similar levels as its predecessor, SL-0909, but liberated significant power for the Spanish race.

It was amidst the glitz and glamour of Monaco that Shell introduced its long awaited ‘Desert Fuel’. Shell V-Power ULG60 was the first of a generation of ‘desert fuels’ Shell had been developing for Ferrari blended especially to cope with high temperatures. In Monaco, engine temperatures are higher than usual as the close running and tight track limits airflow through the cars’ radiators.

Come Silverstone, the development programme continued to evolve with Ferrari using new gear oil, Shell Spirax L6285. The new oil represented a step change in efficiency resulting in fewer frictional losses through the gearbox. In addition the fuel blend, V-Power ULG60, was ‘tweaked’ and, although the chemical composition remained the same, it was now suitable for all weather conditions.

The third generation of engine oil came to light in Hungary. Renowned for its hot, dry weather and low speed nature, Shell Helix SL-0928 offered increased protection specifically for the Hungarian race. The F2005 did its job and brought seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher home in second place.

With a selection of lubricants from which to choose, Ferrari and Shell continued the year with this portfolio alongside Shell V-Power ULG60 as the development programme turned to 2006 and the new V8 engine configuration.

As illustrated, the work Shell does for Ferrari does not stop at the first race. Indeed, it continues throughout the season as Shell and Ferrari work at individual circuits in the purpose-built Shell analysis facility with ongoing support from Shell’s development labs in Chester, UK. The engineers working with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello to design the various blends throughout the 2005 season also work on the development of products for the road cars we drive everyday.  This ensures that the products that are on sale in petrol stations around the globe are from the finest stable in the world.

As the curtain is drawn on another season, the drivers will take well earned breaks and teams will return to spend some time with their families. But eyes are already set on the 2006 season.  Shell will spend the winter months developing new fuels and lubricants with Ferrari to complement its new V8 engine configuration. The 2006 regulations mean that Shell and Ferrari will be completely re-evaluating their fuel and lubricants package.

In 2006, Shell’s position alongside the multi-championship-winning team will be more important than ever as the team looks to regain its title. The vital speed and reliability Shell brings Ferrari could well be the Scuderia’s secret weapon.